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Thread: Getting into fish photography with Nikon system

  1. #1
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    I have an under utilised Nikkon D70 and was thinking of getting myself more involved in fish photography. What do I need to get in addition to the kit lens? A macro lens? Do I need a speedlight or something like that?

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    How much budget do you have?

    If you only have the kit lens, I think you should consider getting a macro lens.

    If you have the budget, you can consider the Micro-Nikkors. For fish photography you can consider the below:
    AF Micro 60mm f/2.8D
    AF Micro 105mm f/2.8D
    or wait for
    AF-S VR Micro 105mm f/2.8D IF-ED

    There are some 3rd party lenses that you can consider too:
    Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di 1:1 Macro
    Sigma macro 50mm F2.8 EX DG
    Sigma macro 105mm F2.8 EX DG

    You will definitely need a Speedlight. The good thing about D70 is that you can control flash like the SB-800 or SB-600 remotely without additional accessory. In this case, you can get a SB-800 or SB-600 and use it as a everyday flash, and at the same time position it remotely for close-up photography. If you want to get a dedicated flash system for close-up photography, you can consider Speedlight Remote Kit R1 .

    BC

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    Although some will beg to differ, but I always think that flash is necessary for aquatic photography.

    In your case, kray, I would say that, you need 2 things to take great pictures out of your Nikon D70.

    1. Nikon SB 800 flash.
    2. Macro lens in the range of 90/100/105 mm focal length.

    The flash will allow you to take pictures at much faster shutter speed immediately. The lens will allow you to get closer to the subject and produce really sharper pictures.

    What is of utter most importance is that your Nikon D70 has a "commander" mode that allow you to use the SB-800 like a remote wireless flash while retaining TTL functions. Look for your manual and activate the function in the camera menu. Once you get that, you can have freedom of movement to track your subject and shoot without reflection. If you are new to this function, there is a learning curve. But with enough practice, you will soon get the hang of it.

    Since you are mainly interested in dwarf cichlids, you can consider shooting in 1 ft tanks. This is a lot more managable than shooting the same fish in a 5 ft planted tank. If necessary, cut a piece of glass and put above your tank to hold the flash in place.

    Hope that helps!

    Cheers,

    p.s. An alternative to macro lens is using a close up filter on your kit lens. Still managable, but you need to move really close and that might spook your subjects.
    I have dwarf cichlids in my tanks! Do you?

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    No Flash No Talk.
    why I don't do garden hybrids and aquarium strains: natural species is a history of Nature, while hybrids are just the whims of Man.
    hexazona · crumenatum · Galleria Botanica

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    Quote Originally Posted by hwchoy
    No Flash No Talk.
    no really true if he is willing to shoot under the hot sun.....
    Cheers and Regards,
    Billy Cheong

    I'm not always dumb,
    Just most of the time...

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    Quote Originally Posted by Goondoo
    no really true if he is willing to shoot under the hot sun.....
    Yeah.... bring the 1ft cube tank downstairs and take under the sun?

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    Quote Originally Posted by kray
    Yeah.... bring the 1ft cube tank downstairs and take under the sun?
    something like tat.... and remember to cover yourself so theres less reflection...
    Cheers and Regards,
    Billy Cheong

    I'm not always dumb,
    Just most of the time...

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    Quote Originally Posted by kray
    Yeah.... bring the 1ft cube tank downstairs and take under the sun?
    a 1ft cube tank weighs near to 30kg, not to mention the sloshing will disturb water clarity and freak the fish. not to mention that you will be wasting the night hours not actively shooting. not good. must shoot more.
    why I don't do garden hybrids and aquarium strains: natural species is a history of Nature, while hybrids are just the whims of Man.
    hexazona · crumenatum · Galleria Botanica

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    Quote Originally Posted by hwchoy
    a 1ft cube tank weighs near to 30kg, not to mention the sloshing will disturb water clarity and freak the fish. not to mention that you will be wasting the night hours not actively shooting. not good. must shoot more.
    true... true..
    Cheers and Regards,
    Billy Cheong

    I'm not always dumb,
    Just most of the time...

  10. #10
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    Blast the tank with enough light and you can get away with it occasionally. It still won't be as sharp as with an overhead flash, but it can be done.

    D70 with 50 f/1.4D stopped down to f/2. 500W of lighting over the tank.



    Otherwise, pick up either the SB-600 or SB-800 and then a dedicated macro if you can.
    Eric

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